Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Fiance

Forget the chocolate and flowers—these ideas are more memorable

Love isn't always easy, at least when major holidays roll around. And that one holiday that's specifically geared toward love and romance can often be a real challenge.

Are you engaged and wondering what gift to buy your beloved on Valentine's Day? You can't give a $5 box of chocolates and a cheesy greeting card to someone you're about to tie the knot with, but you'll want every penny to count, particularly if money is getting a little tight as you build up to the big day.

Breathe. Relax. You have options. These wedding-related gift ideas are sure to please.

A Wedding "Upgrade"

Is there a wedding detail where your sweetie was wishing for a more luxurious option but she settled for a cheaper one? Spend your Valentine's Day gift to give her an upgrade. If she wanted peonies in her bouquet but they were out of season and just way too much money, call the florist and change the details. If his close friend living in a distant city can't afford to come to the wedding, buy a plane ticket for that friend.

Your Sexy Side

There are going to be a lot of photographs of you in your wedding dress and your guy in his tuxedo, but did you ever think of posing without your wedding finery? No, I'm not talking about porn, but rather those tasteful but sexy photos called "boudoir photographs." Many photographers offer this service, helping you to feel relaxed as possible as you're beautifully captured in lingerie...or maybe some really sexy briefs.

Make sure you get all the negatives and prints and give your sweetheart something for his or her eyes only.

Dancing Queen

Consider spending your lunch hours for the next 10 days or so taking dance lessons if you're the clodhopper type. No more shaking your head in panic and pulling back as she tries to lead you onto the dance floor.

Surprise her on Valentine's Day by popping a CD in the stereo and asking her to dance. She'll be surprised and delighted—and she'll be able to look forward to getting you on the dance floor at your wedding reception. Sorry, this gift generally only works for the ladies. It isn't a present most guys would appreciate!

That Special Touch

Buy him or her a watch, bracelet, handkerchief, or other accessory, then write a thoughtful note to accompany it. Mention how excited you are to marry him and give him something he might wear on your wedding day. It will lend a special touch to the day. Your honey will be wearing a memory.

Photo Art

Give your Valentine a gift certificate to a service that develops original artwork out of photos. Write a note that it's for your wedding photo so that you'll have a beautiful memento of your wedding to hang up in your home.

Think Outside the Box

Valentine's Day gift-giving doesn't have to be intimidating, and it doesn't have to be all chocolate and flowers. These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. You know your beloved better than anyone. If there's something he or she is really passionate about, try to work it in. Does she love horses? Maybe spring for a horse-drawn carriage at your wedding.

Of course, if his thing is monster trucks, this might not be an option.